Growing Up Tales by Baggins Babe
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 6: The Tear of Anar
Ah--what a stone, and what a legacy--from a great King to the daughter of a special lord among Hobbits, given by the gentle, so-wise Frodo himself.
Author's reply
I honestly don't know where that history came from but the stone insisted that this was the story I had to tell. I wanted elanor's wedding-day to be as wonderful as possible.
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 5: A Long and Happy Line
If he's the official cat for Bag End I'm certain he's most successful at so being! Heh!
Author's reply
Cats are usually good at doing what they do. The little kittens I have at present, only 8 weeks old but already little predators, yet cute as buttons!
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
Ah, yes--the Gamgees are married into the Hall as well as the Smials, eh? Of course--what else? Heh! Love the idea of the caricature of the gentle-fox!
Author's reply
I've always thought that one of Sam's many daughters may have married into the Brandybucks. I kept seeing the fox who pursues Jemima Puddle-Duck in Beatrix Potter's tale and he insisted on being in the story somewhere.
Andrea · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: The Tear of Anar
"My Elanorelle. I am so thankful that I did not leave the Shire. I would not have missed this day for the world!" I'm glad he did not leave! What a magnificent wedding! I particularly liked that little detail about Merry and his waistcoat - *grins*. And what a beautiful present with a fascinating history!
Author's reply
I really love writing about Frodo's continuing life in the Shire. Can't resist getting in a little mention of Merry and his taste in waistcoats! I just couldn't get this idea out of my mind, so I had to write it.
Kitty · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: The Tear of Anar
Oh wow, that's quite a gathering! All these Kings and Stewards and Elvenlords! And Elanor has to be the most beautiful hobbit lass ever to marry! (And now I want to know more about Thranduil in the Shire!) How typical - and generous - of Frodo to give Elanor this gift! You gave the stone a very interesting history. What a honour for Elanor to wear this piece of jewelry! Lovely story, BB! And belated Happy Easter!
Author's reply
I just couldn't get this image out of my mind, nor the history of the diamond. I mentioned the pendant long ago, in one of my other stories, and always planned to write about Frodo giving it to Elanor. I plan to arite a story about Thranduil and Glorfindel visiting the Shire - it's on my list of things to do - unfortunately it is a long list, but hopefully I'll get round to it one day.
shirebound · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 6: The Tear of Anar
Glorfindel says it is a yellow diamond, very rare. He said it was shaped in Valinor and taken to Numenor Oh my goodness, what a treasure! And what a gathering. How truly, truly wonderful this is.
Author's reply
You win first prize yet again, Shirebound! I love to know that you enjoy these stories - just leaves me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Happy Easter!
Kitty · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 5: A Long and Happy Line
*snicker* Very apt to compare Mischief to Pippin! I don’t know who is worse! I love the idea of Frodo writing a book about the Bag End cats. Oh yes, if anyone ever did that, then it had to be Frodo! That’s one book I’d love to read. And it’s so typical of the hobbits to name their cats after food! Adorable ficlet, BB! It’s always nice to read more about the cats.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Frodo would have been the one to write about the cats - now his name-sake will have to do it. I think a lot of the hobbit pets would have been named after food as it is such a favourite subject.
Kitty · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
What was Sam Gamgee going to think? Hmmm ... that another one of his children will be marrying into the nobility of the Shire? And even if he may think it’s not ‚proper’, I am sure Frodo will be overjoyed to see them together. Somehow I get the feeling there will be quite a few marriages between the children of the Travellers ;-) Sweet story, and I can imagine Frodi’s sketch of the fox rather well - lovely!
Author's reply
Sam will probably look askance but Frodo will be delighted and so will Rose so he'll accept it. I think there will certainly be romances between the children of the Travellers. I was thinking Beatrix Potter when I thought about the sketch of the fox.
SurgicalSteel · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 5: A Long and Happy Line
For some reason I'm just now finding these tales. They're absolutely enjoyable!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying the stories. I've been bitten by all sorts of plot bunnies lately.
harrowcat · 14 January 2008 · Chapter 5: A Long and Happy Line
A long and happy line indeed. A friend of mine has been adopted by a pair of cats and, although she claims to be a dog person, they are giving her a lot of comfort and joy. I have always said that if my dogs are not there when I get to heaven then I am not going!
Author's reply
My father always said exactly the same! I have been aware of so many animal spirits in my time that I know they'll be waiting for us. I've always loved all animals and have had cats and dogs for years, as well as rabbits and guinea-pigs. Had to have a closer look at the happy cats of Bag End.
shirebound · 13 January 2008 · Chapter 5: A Long and Happy Line
Well you *know* how much I love the idea that the cats were part of the "welcome party" for Sam, and that they have their own sort of "Red Book" in which they're remembered. Biscuit sounds a worthy successor to the long-lived and long-loved Cats of Bag End.
Author's reply
It was your comment about the 'succession of happy cats...' which inspired this one, Shirebound. These cats were so much part of the family that they couldn't be left out.
Tigger · 13 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
Sorry for not reviewing before now. Was off on another waste of time doctor's appt and it's taken till today for me to catch up on everything. :o) This is lovely and I see love is blooming now between a Brandybuck and a Gamgee. I wonder what Sam will think indeed. :oD What a delightful picture Frodi sketched for Daisy. Reminds me of the sketches in the Wind in the Willows book. :o) This was a delightful addition to this series. :o)
Author's reply
Lovely to hear from you! I was wondering where you were. ah yes, those Gamgees get everywhere! :-) Sam will probably tut a bit but no-one will take a bit of notice. I love the drawings in 'Wind in the Wilows.' And Beatrix Potter of course, which was what I was thinking of when I 'saw' that sketch of the fox. Hope you enjoy Chapter 5 too - and the Yule story.
harrowcat · 13 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
Even after all this time dear Sam Gamgee is probably going to mumble something about it 'not being proper!' But true love strikes where it will. I could almost see those sketches BB. Loved it!
Author's reply
Sam probably will mumble a bit but I doubt Rose and Frodo will take any notice. :-) Glad you could 'see' the sketches.
Dreamflower · 11 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
How delightful it is to see Sam's kids once more getting entangled into Merry's and Pippin's family trees! I have a feeling that in your Reunion-verse, Sam will have a harder time coming up with objections--because clearly, Uncle Frodo will be delighted, and how's Sam to contradict him? I am glad to see that you, like I, think that if a Gamgee married a Took, it's only logical that one married a Brandybuck as well! Young Frodi and Daisy are just adorable together! *grin*
Author's reply
I agree - if one of Sam's daughters could marry a Took then another could well have married a Brandybuck. That seems logical to me. No Sam can't object - Frodo will be thrilled. Glad you liked Frodi and Daisy. :-)
EstellaB · 11 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
What a wonderful oneshot! Actually, I've just read my way through all four, and they're all fantastic-though I would have to say that the Hobbit Rangers are so excellent that they have to be my favourite so far :D I've just updated my email address after a year of missing alerts-and this was a lovely re-introduction! Even though I don't "know" your version of the next generation of hobbits, this was fantastic :D:D I especially love the way your portray Frodo-and Froderic is a brilliant Brandybuck name!
Author's reply
What a lovely review! I'm glad you've discovered these stories. These concern the next generation as they appear in my AU in which Frodo never left Middle-earth. This began as one story 'Reunion in Minas Tirith' and like topsy it just growed. Lots of short stories and several long multi-chapter ones too. I hope you'll find time to read some. I like the idea of Hobbit Rangers and I'm glad you like Frodo - he is a bit special. Frodoric just seemed the logical way to 'Buckland-ise' the name.
shirebound · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Herbs and Foxgloves and the Scent of Thyme
These continue to be delightful, and Frodoric is such a perfect name! Yay for th succession of happy cats at Bag End. :)
Author's reply
Yet again you win first prize - a few jars of Rose Gamgee's jam (flavour of your choice). Glad you enjoyed. Had to get in a mention of the Bag End cats. ;-)
Queen Galadriel · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
Oh, what a heartwarming story! I love it, BB! I always love stories that allow us to see a little of the thoughts of a healer. You have such a wonderful way of making these characters come alive, not just as children but I see now as young adults as well. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you for this - I tried to answer earlier in the week but my dial-up connection was playing up. Working in the healing professions can be incredibly rewarding but also heart-breaking at times. All those in the medical and veterinary professions go through a crisis now and then. I thought it was interesting to look at Sam and Rose's children as they grew up and I'm so pleased you're enjoying the stories.
Queen Galadriel · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Furry-Footed Rangers
Hobbit Rangers! Whatever next? Indeed! And while it saddens me to see the Hobbits have lost some of their innocence because of things that have happened in the past, it's a very good idea that they learn how to look out for themselves. Freddy makes an excellent Ranger: that was nicely done! God bless, Galadriel
Queen Galadriel · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 1: A Merry Meeting
I'm catching up at last--sorry it's been sooo looong! I've been wanting to read these, especially, for a long time. So, Merry and Persimmon, is it? :) The charming child has become a charming young adult, I see. And Pip-lad and Lily! Perfect! :D I love the peacefulness and promise of this. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, having mentioned all these things in 'A New Road' I had to investigate a bit more and see how things came about. Persimmon is lovely - I wouldn't call her charming though - she is much too spirited for that. But Merry-lad is a sensible and caring young hobbit with his father's good sense and is just what flighty, volatile Persimmon needs.
harrowcat · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
What a lovely little tale BB. Sorry that it has taken me so long to get around to reading it.
Author's reply
Ah! There you are! Glad you finally made it and delighted that you enjoyed the tale. RL does get in the way sometimes, doesn't it?
Antane · 7 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
Sometimes I wonder why Frodo had to suffer so much but Armariel and now you have shown me that is at least partly so the wisdom that could only be gained through enduring trials could be shared with others as he has shared with Rosie-lass. Thank you. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Frodo was undoubtedly wise anyway but I think his experiences gave him wisdom and compassion, and (in my AU anyway)this enables him to be the loving uncle the children can go to for advice.
Tigger · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
What a wonderful little ficlet. I'm sure all healers and those in the medical professional have a crisis of confidence at some point during their training. You did an excellent job of Rosie thinking through the events of the last few months and how she has learned to cope when things don't go exactly as is hoped for. Frodo's nickname for her though brought back some wonderful memories for me. Long time and very dear friends of my parents found each other in their mid fifties and they were always Uncle and Aunt to me. Well, I was always Uncle Pete's "little Rosebud". They've both been gone for nearly twenty years now and I miss them. Reading that reminded me of some very good times. Thank you for that my friend. :o) I'm sorry I didn't get to this sooner, but was away for a few days last week. Still trying to catch up on sleep from the trip. I still also need to get to that e-mail of yours too. Sigh...Never enough time in the day sometimes and then things get away on you and *then*... Hard to believe we're now in July and the year's half gone. Not to mention I've got to get to work on any Christmas presents I'll be knitting/crocheting/cross stitching for family and friends. Anyway...Thanks again for the wonderful story. :oD
Author's reply
I think everyone in the medical and veterinary professions must have had at least one crisis of confidence - I know I did. Losing a patient is the worst thing, particularly when they're young. It never seems fair and you always blame yourself or think you could have done more. Very rewarding when things go right though, but I'm glad I'm not doing it any more. Life in an archive is much less stressful! As the younger Rosie I thought 'Rosebud' was a logical name for her. Christmas? Eeeek! We haven't even had a summer over here yet.
Dreamflower · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
B.B., this is just beautiful! I love the idea of one of Sam's lasses being a healer! And she has a healer's pendant--how wonderful! I also love how "Uncle" Frodo is the one they go to for wise advice--and how lovely and insightful his advice was!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it - in many of the other stories little rosie plays at 'healers' and in 'A New Road' I mentioned that she had achieved her ambition. Losing a patient is not easy to bear (I know what I was like when it happened to me) but the day you stop caring is the day to quit. I'm sure Uncle frodo was always there (in my AU and your lovely one) with wise advice for his nieces and nephews.
Larner · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
Oh, I'm so glad Gimli gave her her healer's pendants; and amethyst has always been a stone of healing. And Frodo remains the Wise One indeed as he comforts and advises her, and as she Sees what he is behind the guise of her beloved Uncle Frodo. Lovely.
Author's reply
I'm sure Frodo was always the Wise One, full of gentle compassion and understanding. I think he would have occasionally allowed his true nature to show and this hobbit lass is sensitive enough to see that. So glad you liked it.
Kitty · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 3: The Road Less Travelled
Nice to see your name pop up here :-) To be a healer is probably easy as long as everything goes well, but to stay true to this profession after losing a patient – or more than one in a row – has to be difficult, particularly when it happens the first time. You caught the dilemma very well, I think. And I was glad Rosie was able to go to her Uncle Fro to be comforted. The pendant was another nice touch to a lovely fic.
Author's reply
Yes, being a healer can be difficult. I was a veterinary nurse for years and when we lost a patient I often went home distressed and upset. It does get to you. I think Frodo would be very wise and helpfuland sometimes easier to talk to than the parents.